Baby love

Estelle adores babies...she's so excited when we have visitors with babies and is far more attentive to them than the adults who come to town. A few weekends ago, Amy and John came to see us with Baby Claire. Note the protective arm around Claire's shoulder and the blanket up to her chin (courtesy of Estelle).

She's about as obsessed with "Baby" Leah (now a toddler) but no matter...she's younger than Estelle and that's all that counts.

She can't wait to be a big sister, asking me, "Mommy, when is my baby coming?" Now she says, "My baby is coming on Nov. 17." I have to explain that it probably won't be on that day and she concedes, "Okay, 2 days later." In the meantime, Darwin will continue to be a surrogate infant. Anything look familiar in this photo?

'bout time

that I posted something about Estelle's 4th birthday, which happened almost a month ago now. We had a family gathering of the usual suspects plus a pinata (thanks to Uncle Patrick and much to my chagrin).



Gift from mommy and daddy...she's already asked to take the training wheels off but Bryan refuses.

Good cake!


Kids had fun whacking at the pinata, but not much luck busting it open.


So Bryan took a turn...



But it was great aunt Pegs who finally succeeded (note her triumphant dance).